Queer movies and series continue to take over the screen with groundbreaking storylines and more realistic portrayals of LGBTQ+ lives. This Pride Month, here are 10 queer movies and series worth diving into.
This Pride Month, queer films across multiple genres are stepping into the spotlight, from romantic dramas to heart-clenching stories and deeply relatable scenes. What stands out most today is how these narratives push boundaries and challenge perceptions, especially when it comes to LGBTQ+ representation.
As society continues to become more open and inclusive, these 10 queer movies and series are worth watching. Whether you are looking for something to binge in this genre, seeking heartfelt themes, or craving bold and thought-provoking storytelling, this list has something for you.
1. Monster (2023)
Monster, a Japanese movie, directed by Koreeda Hirokazu. Starring Souya Kurokawa as Minato and Hinata Hiiragi as Yori. The movie explores different lenses of life in a suburban town: a single mother who loves her son, a school teacher who values his students, and innocent children trying to live peaceful lives. But when a fight breaks out at a school, it becomes a major incident that questions the role of society and the media.
This coming-of-age movie shows how critical the roles of parents, community, and the media are in shaping one’s identity. They can either build or wreck one’s sense of self—raising questions about an individual’s worth in society.
Where to watch: Netflix, Apple TV
2. The Paradise of Thorns (2024)
Starring Jeff Satur as Thongkam, Engfa Waraha as Mo, and Keng Harit as Jingna. This film explores the life of Thongkam and Sek, a gay couple in Mae Hong Son, building a life together with their durian orchard. But when Sek dies, Thongkam discovers that same-sex marriage is not legally recognized in Thailand, which leaves him with no rights to the land and other assets.
The house and orchard are inherited by Sek’s mother, together with her adopted daughter Mo and his brother Jingna. Tension begins to escalate when Thongkam tries to prove his rights. This film isn’t just a story of a man struggling to get what he deserves, but also of many gay individuals who are disregarded and ignored simply because some people think they don’t belong or matter.
Where to watch: Netflix
3. Elite (2018–2024)
An 8-season Spanish series starring Omar Ayuso as Omar, Itzan Escamilla as Samuel, Manu Rios as Patrick, Martina Cariddi as Mencia, and Mina El Hammani as Nadia. The series explores the lives of three low-income students who start attending an exclusive school because of their scholarships. But the hostility and distrust of their classmates cause conflict between them.
Apart from the teen feud present in the series, the characters also explore different LGBTQ+ identities—coming out, same-gender relationships, and more. While discovering themselves, intense friction arises when murder enters the picture. With 8 seasons available, you’ll surely never get bored.
Where to watch: Netflix
4. Young Hearts (2024)
Another coming-of-age drama starring Lou Goossens as Elias and Marius De Saeger as Alexander. This film is directed by Anthony Schatteman. Young Hearts, as reflected in its title, features two young men who start as friends but later find themselves growing attached to each other. Elias slowly develops feelings for his neighbor Alexander despite being in a romantic relationship with his friend.
Alexander, confused by Elias’ feelings, tries to distance himself. But Elias finds the courage to admit his feelings and break up with his girlfriend. He even musters the strength to come out to his mom.
Where to watch: Amazon Video, Apple TV
5. The Secret of Us (2024)
The Secret of Us explores the complicated relationship between Dr. Fahlada and Earn. Fahlada had her heart broken by the woman she loved the most, Earn, making her unable to love again. But when they meet again one day, the tables turn and her heart starts to soften once more.
Once she learns the real reason why Earn chose to leave her, Fahlada’s feelings come rushing back. This series highlights the struggles of two women living in different social classes but still trying to battle the adversities between them. It shows the reality of LGBTQ+ individuals who often get separated from the ones they love.
Where to watch: Netflix
6. Young Royals (2021–2024)
Starring Edvin Ryding as Prince Wilhelm and Omar Rudberg as Simon, Young Royals is a 3-season series featuring two men struggling to come out because of one’s duty. Prince Wilhelm transfers to a prestigious boarding school where he meets Simon. Spending time with him makes Wilhelm question his own identity. But when he has to choose between duty and love, which one matters most?
Young Royals explores responsibility, friendship, betrayal, and sexuality. This teen romance shows the struggles of individuals who cannot come out openly and must hide their identities.
Where to watch: Netflix
You Might Also Like: 5 Movies to Watch If You Liked Love Untangled
7. Uranus 2324 (2024)
Love transcends beyond time and universe, even deeper than the ocean. That’s what Uranus 2324 shows, featuring Thailand’s most talked about GL pair—Becky Armstrong as Kath and Freen Sarocha as Lin.
Kath, a diver, and Lin, an astronomer, find themselves entangled in different lives. In every lifetime, they fall in love but eventually get separated—by circumstances or by death. This film shows that if one truly loves, they will always find a way to meet again. It may sound out of reach, but love has its mysterious ways—as the film quotes.
Where to watch: Netflix
8. Olympo (2025)
Though a queer theme isn’t the central story of this series, it still includes strong queer representation. Despite not being at the center stage, it carefully narrates the emotional cost of searching for one’s identity. It delivers meaningful notes for the LGBTQ+ community. As relationships start to develop, pressures from the outside and the competitive backdrop of the series come into play, weaving a complete drama.
Where to watch: Netflix
9. Semantic Error (2022)
One of South Korea’s most beloved queer dramas, Semantic Error delivers a refreshing take on the enemies-to-lovers trope. The story follows meticulous computer science student Chu Sang-woo and charismatic design major Jang Jae-young, whose rivalry gradually turns into romance. Their contrasting personalities create both conflict and undeniable chemistry, making every interaction engaging to watch. For viewers looking for a lighthearted yet meaningful queer love story, Semantic Error remains a standout in the genre.
Where to watch: Apple TV, VIKI
10. Your Name Engraved Herein (2020)
Few queer films capture the ache of first love as beautifully as Your Name Engraved Herein. Set in Taiwan during the late 1980s, the film follows Jia-han and Birdy as they struggle with their feelings amid social expectations and personal fears. Their journey explores love, identity, and the painful realities many LGBTQ+ individuals faced during that era. Both heartbreaking and deeply moving, the film is a powerful reminder of how love can leave a lasting mark, even when circumstances keep people apart.
Where to watch: Netflix
If you enjoy these recommendations, you can also add these queer movies and series to your watchlist:
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Heartstopper (2022–2024)
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Red, White & Royal Blue (2023)
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The Handmaiden (2016)
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Call Me By Your Name (2017)
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Sex Education (2019–2023)
Source: Netflix, Penn Moviegoer
